Mesembryanthemum 'Crystal' - Heartleaf Ice Plant

Highlights

'Crystal' (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium f. variegatum) (previously Aptenia) (Schwantes): A variegated cultivar of the Heartleaf Ice Plant from South Africa. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves are lined in white and it grows either as a creeping ground cover in warm climates (zone 10+) or a lovely trailing variety in hanging pots.

In full to partial sun the stems of this Ice Plant can grow up to 24.0" long. They're easy to prune, if desired, and stem cuttings will readily grow roots if transplanted in gritty soil (more info). Its magenta flowers are beautiful to behold and attractive to pollinators, opening by afternoon and closing each night.

Don't be fooled by the name "Ice Plant", as this soft succulent needs protection from freezing temperatures. It can easily overwinter indoors as long as it is near a sunny window. A. cordifolia is partially dormant in the winter, so reduce watering frequency and ensure that it is in well-draining pots and soil.

Mesembryanthemum thrives in sandy soil year-round and can tolerate droughts, but regular water in spring and summer will encourage more vigorous growth.

Product Size

2.0" Pot

Current Primary Color

Green

All Seasonal Colors

White

Bloom Color

Pink Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Bright Indoor Light, Filtered / Partial Sun

Maximum Height

Over 12"

Growth Habit / Shape

Hanging / Trailing, Low Growing / Creeping

Seasonality

Winter Dormant Partial

Special Characteristic

Easy to Propagate, Pet Safe, Fast Grower, Variegated

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+

10

WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?

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Popular Questions

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3 years ago

Hi I purchased Mother of Thousands. How long will it take to get the things on the edges? See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Once spring comes, and with proper care, it won't take long to develop those bulbils. This plant slows down its growth during the winter and picks back up again in the spring. See full answer »

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2 years ago

Hi I just love mother thousands. But I want a larger size pot like 6" do u ever sell them in that size? See answer

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

We've sold them in 3.5" pots but that's the largest size we've done. Any larger and they become so tall they're difficult to ship. Sorry about that! See full answer »

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2 years ago

My mother of thousands has not bloomed in at least a year. How can I get it to bloom? How See answer

I keep it outside in summer, a cool but sunny window in winter See more »

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Light is the key to getting these plants to bloom. Although they can thrive in partial sun conditions, blooming requires more energy. They have an early blooming season of late winter to early spring so this will be when light becomes most critical. See full answer »

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3 years ago

When do you repot to a larger pot for mother of thousands See answer

How often do you move to a larger pot with mother of thousands pink? See more »

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

That depends on how how fast it grows which depends on how well it's being taken care of. In general, mother of thousands grows quickly so checking the roots once or twice in the spring and summer is a good idea. If it looks like it may become root bound soon then repot it. See full answer »

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2 years ago

Can you grow mother of millions indoors? See answer

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

You can! It does very well inside as it can tolerate a little less light and is more resistant to humidity than other succulents. See full answer »

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2 years ago

My mother of thousand plants are dying..they have yellow wilty leaves..I repotted when it had babies. See answer

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

I'm sorry to hear that! Yellow, wilty leaves sounds a lot like root rot caused by overwatering. This could be caused by an over zealous watering schedule or by soil that holds onto too much water. If the soil is moist right now, this is the most likely cause. You can click the link below to read our solutions for overwatered succulents.

However, yellow, wilty leaves could also be a sign of underwatering. If the soil has been dry for a week or two, this may be the reason. If so, a little drink should remedy the issue quickly.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs... See full answer »

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2 years ago

Repotting Mother if Thousands Newbie See answer

Hi, just repotted my MOT plants using 1/4 MG Succulent soil & 3/4 of a 50-50 mix of chicken grit & Superfly Bonsaii mix. Is this a good ratio or should I add something else? Thank you! See more »

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

That would be a beautiful soil mix for a cactus or a mesemb. Mother of Thousands is very flexible about its growing conditions, but they do tend to prefer a bit more moisture (and less gritty soil) than most succulents. This is one you could actually plant in straight MG succulent soil--with an optional top dressing of your chicken grit or bonsai soil. See full answer »

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1 year ago

difference between pink butterflies, mother of millions, mother of thousands See answer

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1 year ago  •  Staff Answer

For starters, each of these is a different species. However, there are also physiological differences between them.

Mother of thousands is Kalanchoe laetivirens. It has broad, but thin, lime green leaves and a purplish bloom.

Mother of millions is Kalanchoe delagoensis. It has narrow, but thick leaves that primarily produce plantlets at their tips. The blooms are a bubblegum pink color.

Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies' is a cultivated variety, rather than a species. It looks most similarly to mother of millions but it has broader leaves. Its plantlets are a pink color, along with its flowers. See full answer »

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10 months ago

Hi, can this be potted indoors in cactus soil? See answer

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10 months ago  •  Staff Answer

Likely, yes, but it depends on what kind of cactus soil you're using. The Bonsai Jack soil we sell would be too gritty for mother of thousands by itself, but Miracle Gro's cactus and succulent soil would be perfect. See full answer »

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2 years ago

My MOT has lost all her babies will they come back See answer

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

They will. Once the plant starts actively growing again it will regenerate its lost plantlets. See full answer »

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